Inter-House Singing Competition 2009

Date: Friday 13 February 2009

Uncalendared it may have been, but the Inter-House Singing Competition did take place this afternoon, and proved, as in the last five years, a perfect way to end the first half of the most difficult term of the year.

The organisation of the whole event was left in the capable hands of Michael Hawkes and the House Captains, and they came up trumps with an event which may have lacked the vocal polish of the past, but lacked for nothing in terms of commitment and entertainment.

The trio of judges - Mrs Mander, Mrs Humphreys, and yours truly, - were impressed by the energy and choreography of each performance, as well as the musical backing and the singing itself.

Baker were first up, and chose the old Queen classic, 'Don't Stop Me Now', with a backing group which displayed to good effect Tom Vafidis on sax. Warneford featured second, and were undone by their choice of song - 'Get On Up' - in which the singing was drowned by a too powerful backing; lovely costumes, and good choreography, but... Wagner chose the old classic 'It Must Be Love', with a Madness-style backing group, but shouting rather than singing counterbalanced their clever props and choreography. Last were Watson, who in their own eyes were the underdogs, but if 'Making Your Mind Up' is a good enough song to win the Eurovision, then it ought to be good enough for our little parish!

While the judges judged, the audience were thrilled by the interlude featuring Alex Gibson and Tom Lowen with two of their own compositions. They were the real winners, earning a standing ovation from the appreciative masses.

Chief judge, DEK, summed up the feelings of the panel, and awarded the trophy to Watson, largely on the basis that they sang in tune (nearly), they were audible over the backing track, they had a 'nice female section', and energetic, organised choreography. Sometimes it's worth having a flutter on an outsider!

It will be calendared for 2010; there will be a staff song; and, we will trust the pupils to organise their own performances, and have ownership of a most popular event.